Japan 0-7 Wales: Thomas gives visitors early lead

BBC News

a day ago

Update:
Date: 8 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-7 Wales
James HookFormer Wales fly-half on BBC Radio Wales
The situation Wales are in now means Wales need to win, especially with the World Cup draw at the end of autumn, this is an opportunity to get two wins and move up the rankings.
You look at the autumn campaign, they play New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Japan again, they're not easy games.
Update:
Date: 7 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-7 Wales
A lot has been made in the build up about how greasy the ball will get, and we have our first dropped pass on the game from Amato Fakatava.
I except there will be more where that came from as the game goes on.
Update:
Date: 6 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-7 Wales
A first error from Wales, as Kieran Hardy's kick goes out on the full, so Japan have a line-out on the Welsh 10-metre line.
Update:
Date: 5 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-7 Wales
Richie ReesFormer Wales international on Scrum V Live
Japan were too passive defensively, but Wales would've worked on this move so many times during this week.
The timing of the line from Ben Thomas made that try.
Update:
Date: 4 mins
Title: Converted try - Japan 0-7 Wales
Content: Ben Thomas, con Sam Costelow.
The decision to kick to the corner pays off.
It's excellent work from Taulupe Faletau from the line-out routine, and the timing of the pass to Ben Thomas gives the Cardiff man a simple finish.
Sam Costelow adds the extras, and Wales have an early lead.
Just what the doctor ordered.
Update:
Date: 4 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-0 Wales
Sam Costelow looks to chip the ball in behind but has his kick blocked, so we will go back to the penalty.
Wales opt to kick to the corner, a sign of intent early on.
Update:
Date: 3 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-0 Wales
This is a positive start for Wales, who are into the Japan 22 and have an advantage.
Update:
Date: 3 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-0 Wales
Rhys PatchellWales fly-half on BBC One Wales
Japan are a team that comes out of the blocks very quickly, and this could've possibly taken the wind out of their sails.
This is a great opportunity for James Ratti, he has the opportunity to get right into the game from the start.
Update:
Date: 2 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-0 Wales
The first scrum of the game, deep in Japan territory, is a good one for Wales.
Japan manage to keep ahold of the ball, but the clearing kick does not get much distance.
Early opportunity to attack for Wales.
Update:
Date: 1 min
Title: Replacement
Content: Japan 0-0 Wales
Ben Carter is carried off the field on a stretcher to a round of applause from the whole stadium.
James Ratti is on to replace the injured Carter.
Hopefully a swift recovery for the Dragons lock.
Update:
Date: 1 mins
Title: Post
Content: Japan 0-0 Wales
The stretcher is out for Ben Carter, whose game looks set to end after fewer than 30 seconds.
Not the start Wales needed.
Update:
Date: 1 min
Title: Early blow for Carter
Content: Japan 0-0 Wales
We are just 27 seconds into the game and the medical staff are already on for Wales' Ben Carter.
The Wales second-row has been left on the floor after the first tackle of the game.
It appears Carter took a hit to the side of the head during the tackle, and the medical teams are straight on.
Update:
Date: 1 min
Title: Kick-off
Content: Japan 0-0 Wales
We are under way in the boiling heat in Japan.
It is Sam Costelow who will take the kick-off.
A huge game for Wales.
Update:
Date: 05:58 BST
Title: Post
Content: Japan v Wales (06:00 BST)
James HookFormer Wales fly-half on BBC Radio Wales
I think we can nick this, I've got Wales winning by three or four points.
Update:
Date: 05:56 BST
Title: Anthem time!
Content: Japan v Wales (06:00 BST)
It's time for the anthems, starting with Wales' 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau', followed by Japan's 'Kimigayo'.
Update:
Date: 05:56 BST
Title: Williams excited for Wales return
Content: Japan v Wales (06:00 BST)
One man who hasn't had to endure Wales' 17-match losing run [on the pitch] is Johnny Williams.
The Scarlets centre has not featured since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
But he is back today pulling on the national shirt and says he can't wait.
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Update:
Date: 05:54 BST
Title: Any win will do
Content: Japan v Wales (06:00 BST)
Gareth GriffithsBBC Sport Wales at Mikuni World Stadium, Kitakyushu
It is not so much a nation expects. It is more something the Welsh rugby nation is desperate for.
An international win. Any win will do. Wales will hope it finally comes this morning.
It could help lift some doom and gloom. Welsh rugby is in the doldrums with the men's side enduring a record international 17-match losing run and currently having no permanent head coach.
Only two players were selected for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia with flanker Jac Morgan since left flying the flag alone for Wales, following an injury to scrum-half Tomos Williams.
The long-term future of the domestic game is uncertain with fears the number professional sides could be cut. Mostly radio silence from the Wales Rugby Union (WRU) and regions in recent weeks has not helped allay the anxiety of players and fans.
Welsh rugby needs something to grasp on to. Halting the losing streak might help start that healing process.
Update:
Date: 05:53 BST
Title: Our survey says
Content: Japan v Wales (06:00 BST)
Matt Sherratt has revealed he sent a questionnaire to the squad to assess their mood going ahead of the trip to Japan.
"It wasn't anything wordy, just three questions," he said.
"What motivates you to play, what do you want to get out of the trip and what are you going to bring?
"Literally every one was 'I play for my family, I want to enjoy the trip and I want to win for Wales'. So we've built everything around that."
Update:
Date: 05:52 BST
Title: Post
Content: Japan v Wales (06:00 BST)
Dafydd JonesBBC Radio Wales commentator
It's stilflingly hot here pitch side, even in the shade.
The players are going through their final preparations in the baking hot sun.
There's an intense 80 minutes to come.
Update:
Date: 05:51 BST
Title: Some like it hot!
Content: Japan v Wales (06:00 BST)
Like I mentioned earlier, the match is going to be played in testing conditions.
With the kick-off being 14:00 local time, temperatures are expected to reach 33C, while there will also be a high level of humidity.
With this in mind, there will be a three-minute break midway through each half, while half-time will be extended to 20 minutes from the original 15 minutes.
Expect the water boys to be busy as well.